Food Photography

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FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

I love photography and I am more passionate about photography–especially food photography—as days go by. I receive a lot of comments, questions, and emails about my food photography: what camera I use, how I shoot my pictures, etc., so I’ve decided to share some of the common Q&A’s here below.

Q: What camera do you use?

A: Prior to March 24, 2007, I used Canon Digital Elph SD450. Starting March 2007, I shot with Canon Digital Rebel XT 8MP Digital SLR, and as of July 2009, I shoot with Canon 500D or Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i.

Q: What are the tricks to great lighting?

A: I shoot all my food pictures close to the windows (with the blinds up) or in my patio (I never take food pictures with direct sunlight casting on my food because it’s too harsh).

A: My food photography is really simple and minimalist. I like to focus on the food more than anything else. I use mostly white dinnerware and white background to call out the color and texture of the dishes I present. I love the food photography in Donna Hay Magazine–clean, crisp, and sophisticated–so I try to replicate the look and feel of that style.

I just wanted to thank you for being such an inspiration. I’m a new Rebel XT owner, and I get so frustrated when I see the beautiful food photos taken with the Canon 5D and other higher-end models, because I feel like I can never achieve that level of beauty in my pictures. I absolutely love your photography, and I’m so thrilled that you shoot with the Rebel XT. You’ve truly inspired me to keep at it, and I thank you for that.

hey! I found your site here by searching for food photography – I usually shoot children but someone contacted me recently about shooting food for their website – so I thought Id do some research – I love your photos, theyre very bright, clean and focused!!

Hi, my name is Chi, and I am a Taiwanese living in Ravena, New York. Recently I am working on a cook book and I saw your photos—man, they are absolutely breathtaking— so I start to wonder if regular digital cameras can produce good quality pictures too? Do you have any recommendations?

Rasa Malaysia, I love love your ‘artwork’. When I accidentally went to your blog, I was mistakenly thought that I am in one of the cookbooks’ preview website.

I always liked Donna Hay’s style and I do admire yours too as it’s simply beautiful and professional.

Oh and the most important thing is, I am cooking at home morenow as I am inspired by your recipes. The ingredients seem to be quite easy to find (in Australia) and of course, I love your blog style. Well done and keep up the great work!

Love yr great pics. How did u get the frontal side of the subject so nice esp when yr lightings were usually back or side lighted? Did u use a reflector or a weak flash to reduce the shadow effects? Do u use spot metering to focus? Sorry for asking too many questions but I am intrigued by yr fanstatic photography techniques.

I bought a Rebel XT 3yrs ago after checking out your blog:) I really love your pictures and I think you are so talented! I wish I could take pictures like you. So amaizing!! I am currently still using the lense kit Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6. I am planning on getting the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II soon. What do you think about the 50mm f/1.4? is there a difference other then the price? what do you suggest? I love cooking and baking and want to use this to take pictures of my food.
Also, what is your advice on taking pictures at nightime? do you recommend flash or no?
thank you:-)

Hello – was wondering if you ever take photos during the evening/night? I read your FAQ and so I know you recommend natural light. Does this mean all your photos were taken during the daytime? I tend to do only utilitarian cooking during daylight, and the more fun stuff I tend to do for dinner parties. I’ve been trying to photograph some of my dinner party stuff but it looks so awful under artificial light. Plus my lightbulb is yellow like nasi kunyit which makes it even worse. Do you have any thoughts about this? Thank you!

Yes, I only shoot during day time. With night time shooting, you will need a professional lighting kit such as Lowell. I have tried it but still don’t like it, it’s really good but still, it’s artificial.

Your food photos are awesome! Did you self-teach yourself to take photos? Are there any books / magazines that you would recommend your readers if they were interested to start taking professional photos in a sort of D.I.Y.-at-home way?